Accredited earthmover tyre repairs

Michelin launch the quarrying industry’s first accredited earthmover tyre repairs programme

MICHELIN have launched the industry’s first accredited earthmover tyre repairs programme, designed to raise the standard of repairs and ensure increased safety, performance and value for operators.

Launched in partnership with tyre repair materials and equipment specialists Rema Tip-Top, the UK initiative has been developed by Michelin as a worldwide pilot ahead of possible introduction in other countries.

Although there are national standards in place for the repair of road tyres, there is currently no legislation that sets a standard for off-road tyre repairs. This means anyone can set up a business repairing earthmover tyres with no skills or qualifications.

According to Chris Logan, commercial director of Michelin’s earthmover and industrial operations, the net result is that the quality of repairs varies dramatically and it is not uncommon to see tyres in operation that should not have been repaired or to see equipment suffering additional downtime after basic ‘plug’ repairs have failed in service.

‘In 12 months time we want the Michelin accreditation programme to have become the industry standard, with all Michelin earthmover tyres being repaired by accredited dealers,’ he said.

The repairs programme has initially been launched in conjunction with three tyre dealers ––OTR Tyres in Alfreton; Earthmover Tyres in Wakefield and RedPath Tyres in the Scottish borders –– who have each passed a rigorous joint Michelin and Rema Tip-Top accreditation process.

Every repair carried out by one of the accredited dealers will carry specific markings to identify the name of the dealer and technician who carried out the repair. All repairs will be guaranteed by the repairer to meet the standards set down as part of the accreditation programme.

Louise Porter, Michelin’s earthmover and industrial market manager, said: The quality of the materials supplied by Rema Tip-Top and the skills of our trained repairers means even extensive damage can be fixed, making it well worth the investment if the tyre has plenty of remaining tread.

‘Professional repairs do not affect the suitability of the casing for retreading and can allow the tyre to serve a full life, which in turn reduces the number of casings being disposed of prematurely, thereby benefiting the environment.’